HomeDiseaseChlorhexidine mouthwash reduces the salivary viral load of SARS-CoV-2: a randomized clinical trial

Chlorhexidine mouthwash reduces the salivary viral load of SARS-CoV-2: a randomized clinical trial

December 3, 2021

Oral Dis. 2021 Nov 26. doi: 10.1111/odi.14086. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate on the salivary load of SARS-CoV-2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 100 participants positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the test group (n=50), volunteers gargled with a mouthwash containing 15 mL of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate for one minute, while the control group (n = 50) used a placebo. Saliva samples were obtained before (baseline) and 5 and 60 minutes after using the solutions. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays (qRT-PCR) were carried out and the cycle threshold (Ct) was computed. The chi-square test and t-test were used for group comparison (p≤0.05).

RESULTS: The differences in Ct values between the 5-minute evaluation and baseline (test group: 2.19±4.30; control: -0.40±3.87, p=0.002) and between 60 minutes and baseline (test group: 2.45±3.88; control: 0.76±4.41, p=0.05) were significantly greater in the test group, revealing a reduction of viral load. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the load of SARS-CoV-2 in 72% of the volunteers using chlorhexidine versus 30% in the control group (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.12%) was effective in reducing salivary SARS-CoV-2 load for at least 60 minutes.

PMID:34837305 | DOI:10.1111/odi.14086

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About The Author

Patrick Blanchard MD

Meet Dr. Blanchard Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners. Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.